A BID by clothing retailer Matalan to open a warehouse store on the outskirts of Bishop Auckland has been delayed.

The discount clothing chain had applied for planning permission to build a 35,000sq ft development with a 146-space car park at the former BBH Windings site, in South Church Road.

Wear Valley District Council's development control committee was due to discuss the outline plans at a meeting on Thursday.

But the company asked for the application to be removed from Thursday's agenda, so it can alter the plans in an effort to overcome objections.

Traders in Bishop Auckland and town centre manager Ken Wilson feared that if it was given approval the scheme would spell disaster for existing shops in the town.

Council planning officers will meet the applicant to come up with more suitable plans and expect the application to be resubmitted in the next few months.